Vote: Are ADHD Medications Overprescribed?

The number of children being treated with prescription medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has soared in recent years.

Some doctors, parents and child advocates have become concerned that many children are taking medication unnecessarily. These critics suggest that ADHD is a mistaken diagnosis in many cases. And even when the diagnosis is correct, they say, many children who are taking medication for ADHD could do as well or better with alternative treatments.

Others say the critics greatly exaggerate the number of incorrect diagnoses. Heightened awareness of the disorder has fueled the rapid growth of ADHD cases, they say, not a rush to judgment. And ADHD medications have proved effective, their proponents say, to a degree that alternative treatments have not.

What do you think? Let us hear from you with your vote and comment, and we’ll publish highlights in an upcoming special report.

Comments (5 of 129)

awareness is required regarding perceptions. it's not good to treat kids with your perceptions. ADHD is a serious matter. good information. thanks for the article.

8:39 am May 15, 2015

http://tradecertificates.co.uk wrote :

I feel that a lot is put down to ADHD and sometimes its the parents and not medication that will sort the child out

5:06 pm May 12, 2014

JB wrote :

I do believe that these meds are over prescribed. I think in the future they will find that they lead other drug addictions as well.

7:20 am May 6, 2014

www.mbtukstore.com wrote :

awareness is required regarding perceptions. it's not good to treat kids with your perceptions. ADHD is a serious matter. good information. thanks for the article.

4:34 am May 6, 2014

Anonymous wrote :

Honestly, yeah it probably is. I didn't have a prescription until I went to college, though I'd had the suspicion I needed it before. Once you turn 18 they basically just give it to you. For good or for evil though, it's been a massive help getting me through school. When I'm engaged in something I like or something that's rewarding like a fun class or my job, I don't need it. But I doubt I would have ever passed upper level math without it. It basically forces you to clear out your thoughts and just sit down and work. I'd imagine I'll let it lapse once I'm done, but at this point, I consider anything that gives me an edge to be fair game. Necessary evils and such.